Cris set for record United deal

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the verge of signing the biggest contract in world football with Manchester United, worth £40 million.

The Portuguese winger, 23, will see his weekly salary rise from £100,000 to £150,000, and will put pen to paper before he leaves for Euro 2008.

A source from Manchester United told The Sun: "This will be the biggest contract in the club's history. Given Ronaldo's achievements over the past two years, it's easy to understand why.

"There is no doubt he is the best player in the world and we want to make sure he is happy at United. There is only one place for him and that is Old Trafford."

Ronaldo has had an incredible season so far. He has scored 37 goals for the club in all competitions and recently surpassed George Best's single-season record for a midfielder.

He is also a contender for the Golden Boot, given to Europe's top goalscorer every season. His only realistic competition is Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.

The news will no doubt come as a relief to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, as the midfielder has been surrounded by interest and speculation all season.

His new contract puts him well ahead of team-mate Wayne Rooney's weekly salary (£112,000), and means he will now be better paid than Chelsea's Michael Ballack (£130,000) and John Terry (£120,000).

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